AVB looks to Europe for boost

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Blues' poor form continued as they slipped out of the Barclays Premier League top four after a 2-0 defeat at Everton on Satuday. Chelsea, who surrendered a 3-0 lead to draw with Manchester United last week, have collected just three points from their last four league games.

That run has increased speculation over Villas-Boas' future but he is hoping a switch of focus can revive spirits. Chelsea host Birmingham in the FA Cup fifth round next week before travelling to Napoli. Villas-Boas said: "There are two different competitions now ahead of us and two competitions where we want to show a different quality."

He added: "We have one week to prepare for Birmingham and then Napoli. They are two competitions where we are in a very good position and we have to rebuild confidence. We are in the last 16 of the FA Cup and we hope to continue to progress. That shows the spirit and resilience in a different competition."

Chelsea were unable to settle at Goodison Park as Everton started at high tempo and rarely let their intensity slip.

The hosts grabbed a fifth-minute lead through Steven Pienaar and secured victory 18 minutes from time when Denis Stracqualursi struck.

Chelsea had a good spell midway through the second half when Daniel Sturridge and Frank Lampard had good chances but otherwise struggled to make any impression.

Villas-Boas, in remarks similar to those of Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini after a loss at the same ground recently, accepted the blame for the defeat.

He said: "I will reflect hard on my preparation and I will take full responsibility for the defeat. I think the players did everything they could to try to affect the result.

"Maybe I will have some retrospective of what I did and think about the preparation. I will reflect hard with my technical staff on my decision-making."